As the sun began to set over the bustling ashram of Sandipani, Sudama led Krishna and Balram towards their quarters. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter as people went about their evening routines.

Sudama kept talking the entire way, about himself, the ashram, the student life, Sandipani, the people around. His eyes sparkled with excitement as he spoke, while Krishna's serene smile indicated his deep love. The lord listened attentively to Sudama's stories, his gaze fixed on his friend. Sudama's gestures were animated, his laughter infectious, and Krishna's smile never wavered. It was as if a mother was listening to her child's silly adventures.

Balram walked beside them, his expression softening as he observed Krishna's genuine curiosity and Sudama's contagious enthusiasm. The trio moved gracefully through the winding paths, their footsteps echoing in harmony with the rustling leaves and chirping birds.

Krishna said, "Tumhari baate atyant rochak hai, mitra."

"Mitra ?" Sudama stopped in his tracks, "Tumne itne shigreh mujhe mitra keh diya ?"

"Kyu ? Nahi kehna chahiye tha ?" Krishna asked.

Sudama replied, "Bina kisi ko parkhe, use mitra nahi banana chahiye."

Krishna smiled, "Kintu Maine toh tumhe parakh liya."

"Mitrata badi soch samajh ke karni chahiye. Kyuki yeh ek pavitra sambandh hai, jise nishtha se nibhana padta hai." Sudama said.

Krishna chuckled and said, "Mitrata nibhane hetu sajj na hota, toh bhala mai tumhe mitra kyu kehta ? Kintu agar tumhe mere kathan par vishwas nahi, toh mujhe kisi din parakh ke dekhna. Yadi mitrata ki sarvoch udaharan nahi diya, fir kehna."

Sudama giggled, "Baate toh badi badi karte toh. Chalo yadi awashyakta padi toh kisi din awashya parakhne aayunga."

The three started to walk again, but then suddenly, Krishna's gaze fell upon a lady. She was extremely beautiful and noble-looking, yet she was humbly sweeping the small front yard of her hut. Her movements were graceful and poises, as she worked with a quiet dignity that set her apart from the bustling crowd.

Although Krishna exactly knew who she was, he still asked Sudama, "Mitra, yeh kaun hai ? Koi Rajkumari pratit hoti hai ?"

Sudama said, "Saurashtra ki Rajkumari hai; Aarvi. Yeh ek samaye par yaha ki Yuvrani thi."

"Yuvrani iss dasha mei ?" Balram asked.

Sudama replied, "Inke pati Dilipsen ne Mahishmati ka tyaag kardiya. Pata nahi kyu ? Woh toh ek veer aur parakrami yoddha the."

As Aarvi swept the yard with graceful movements, her gaze inadvertently met Krishna's intense eyes. Time seemed to stand still as she felt a jolt of recognition deep within her soul. Her curiosity sparked, she couldn't help but stare at him, mesmerized by his divine presence and aura of tranquility.

Stepping forward she asked, "Aap naye vidyarthi hai kya ?"

"Ji Devi." Krishna smiled, "Hum Mathura se aaye hai. Mai hu Krishna, aur yeh mere agraj Balram. Hum dono Shauri Vasudev ke putra hai."

Aarvi felt a sense of familiarity tugging at her memory, "Shauri Vasudev ? Oh ! Toh aap Rajadhidevi ke bhatije huye."

"Ha, woh humari bua lagti hai." Krishna confirmed.

As she glanced at Krishna's serene countenance, Aarvi felt a wave of peace wash over her, sensing the presence of something truly divine in her midst, feeling as though Narayan himself had graced her humble abode.

Aarvi smiled, "Rajadhidevi meri Jethani hai. Ab toh aapko humare yaha ana hi padega. Sudama, tum bhi ajao."

A warm smile spread across Aarvi's face as she extended a gracious invitation to Krishna, Balram, and Sudama to enter her humble abode. With a gentle nod and a welcoming gesture, Aarvi ushered them inside, her eyes shining with kindness and curiosity.

As Krishna, Balram, and Sudama entered the humble hut, their eyes fell upon Dilipsen, the previous crown-prince of Avanti, sitting cross-legged and immersed in the sacred verses of the Vedas. Dilip paused his chants and looked up, his eyes meeting those of the visitors.

"Arya, yeh Rajadhidevi ke bhatije hai. Vasudevputra Krishna aur Balram." Aarvi told him with a smile."

With a smile, Dilip set the Vedas aside and stood up, his expression a mix of surprise and joy. As he approached Krishna and Balram, a deep sense of reverence filled his heart. It was as if he was meeting not just ordinary visitors, but divine beings in human form.

"Aisa lag raha hai ki teeno loko ke swami swayam mere dwaar aaye hai." Dilip said, "Aasan grahan kijiye."

As Krishna, Balram, and Sudama settle down on the mat,  With humble grace, she placed a bowl of fresh water and a piece of sweet jaggery before them, her movements reverent and deliberate. As she served them, her heart overflowed with a deep sense of reverence and love, feeling as though she was in the presence of Narayan himself.

Her hands trembled ever so slightly as she offered the water to Krishna, her gaze unwavering as she watched him graciously accept the offering.

Dilipsen stood beside her as she served the three, looking at the guests with a sense of reverence. Their eyes are filled with admiration, recognizing the divinity that these guests embody. Dilip and Aarvi look at Krishna, Balram, and Sudama with joined hands, a silent understanding passing between them.

"Aapki sewa kar ek paramanand mila hai." Aarvi said.

Krishna smiled, "Paramanand toh aapko ek din awashya milega."

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A/N

Paramanand toh milega, jab swayam Paramanandi milegi ✨